In the ever-evolving and tumultuous landscape of the Kenyan music industry, only a select few manage to sustain relevance for years. Eric Wainaina, a musical maestro, stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication in an industry known for its fleeting trends.
Age of Eric Wainaina
Born on August 28, 1973, in Nairobi, Eric Wainaina has navigated the music industry for close to three decades. Raised by George and Margaret Gitau Wainaina, Eric’s early exposure to a piano, originally intended for his brother Simon, sparked his lifelong love for music. Reluctant piano lessons and choir participation during his formative years at St. Mary’s School, Nairobi, laid the foundation for his musical journey.
Eric Wainaina Career
In 1992, Eric Wainaina stepped onto the big stage as part of the acappella group “Five Alive.” Inspired by the likes of LadySmith Black Mambazo and Take 6, the group, including Eric, gained rapid acclaim from Kenyan audiences. Their success reached international heights, leading to a European tour after the release of their debut album, “Five Alive,” in 1996.
Eric Wainaina Musical Education in the USA
Post the group’s disbandment in 1997, Eric pursued further musical education at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Honors in songwriting and record engineering marked this phase, emphasizing Eric’s commitment to musical excellence.
Kenya Only and Activism
In 2000, Eric’s song “Kenya Only” gained national anthem status, resonating strongly during the 1998 embassy bombing and the 2007-2008 post-election violence. His courage was evident in the release of “Nchi ya kitu kidogo,” a critique of corruption in Kenya, despite government resistance. His stance earned him ambassadorial roles with Transparency International (Kenya) and other human rights organizations.
Eric Wainaina Colabos
Acknowledgment as one of the top 100 Africans in 2000 by Africa Almac.com, and the release of a musical theatre piece, “Lwanda, Man of Stone,” showcased Eric’s versatility. Collaborations with Mumbi Kaigwa and Andrea Kalima on “Kigezi Ndoto” and contributions to “Owen and Mzee” underscored his diverse musical talents.
Eric Wainaina Awards
Eric’s solo career saw the release of “Twende Twende” in 2006, earning him accolades. His musical contributions extended to projects like “Mo Faya” and the film “From a Whisper,” which garnered multiple awards. In 2010, he wrote the UN-MDG anthem for the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony. In 2013, UNEP appointed him as a national UN Goodwill ambassador.
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Throughout his career, Eric received prestigious awards, including the Jack Maher Award for songwriting, the MNET South Africa award for best male vocalist (2001), and the Best East African Artist at the KORA All Africa Music Awards (2002). His notable achievements include winning the 2005 KORA Award for the prestigious artist of the decade.
Eric Wainaina’s performances transcended borders, from the KORA awards ceremony to the launch of the International Criminal Court at the UN headquarters. Notable appearances at festivals like Festival Mundial, Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA), and Sauti za Busara solidified his global presence.
Eric Wainaina’s Wife
In February 2008, Eric married Sheba Hirst. Their relationship weathered storms, including a publicized extra-marital affair that tested their commitment. Despite challenges, Eric and Sheba reconciled, emphasizing the strength of their bond.
